British triathlete among two dead after event in Spain as World Triathlon issue statement
The Costa del Sol triathlon event taking place in Torremolinos has been hit by tragedy after two participants died while competing with World Triathlon issuing a statement in the aftermath
by Natalia Penza · The MirrorA British participant in a Costa del Sol triathlon is among two competitors who died during the event.
One died while he was running and the other lost his life during the swim. World Triathlon, the international governing body for the multi-disclipines including triathlon and duathlon, said in a statement about the double tragedy during the event in the holiday resort of Torremolinos: “It is with deep sadness that we can inform that two participants (one from Mexico; one from Great Britain ) have died at the World Triathlon Torremolinos-Andalucía Age Group Sprint Distance World Championships, taking place today, October 17. Our deepest condolences go to their respective family, friends, National Federations and all the triathlon family.
“World Triathlon, the Spanish Federation and the Local Organising Committee are in contact with their families and NFs to provide all the support needed in these difficult and sad times.”
The British man, named locally only by his first name of Mark, was aged 57. The Mexican national, whose first name according to local reports was Roger, was 79 years old.
They began to compete at 2.30pm on Wednesday. The UK national died around 4.15pm after collapsing. He was pronounced dead at the scene after efforts to save him proved unsuccessful.
Reports from Spain suggest that the British man collapsed on the first mile of the run from a suspected heart attack. The Mexican individual also apparently suffered the same fate.
The 2024 World Triathlon Championship Finals kicked off today in Torremolinos and are due to last until Sunday. This event includes a variety of races such as the Elite Standard Distance, U23 Standard Distance, Junior Sprint Distance, and Mixed U23-Junior Relay.
Additionally, there are competitions for paratriathletes and age-group athletes in both triathlon and aquabike disciplines. More than 5,500 triathletes from more than 80 countries flew to Spain to take part in the event.
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